Sabrina Shired, a red-shirt junior from Petaluma, Calif., transferred to Washington State University from Santa Rosa Junior College. The 6-foot-4 center is in her third season with the Cougars and has played in 13 games on the 2008 schedule. Shired has 26 points on the season and will enter the series against the Oregon schools this weekend with 30 rebounds.

You scored a buzzer beater before half to cut UCLA's lead to three over the weekend. Can you tell me how that felt?

"I was just trying to make a basket. I wasn't trying to beat the buzzer or anything. I felt lucky that it went in and it helped out the team's spirits going into the half."

Favorite moment of the 2007-08 season?

"My favorite moment would probably be when we were playing at home against USC because it was so close."

Who is the person that has inspired you the most in your life and why?

"My parents have inspired me the most because they're both really dedicated and they taught me to not give up. They're going to be married 25 years this coming April so (they're marriage) is about give and take, learning and becoming the best you can be."

What is your major and what would be your dream job?

"My major is social science and my dream job would probably be coaching and maybe one day to be the owner of my own company making jeans."

What advice would you give to young girls who aspire to be college basketball players?

"Work at your game and not necessarily on the court, but mentally as well because in college it's not just about what you do on the court, it's about what you do off the court. It's preparing for games, watching film, learning how you can improve your game, and scouting to see what other teams do. Basically, I would tell young girls to just not give up on their dreams."